At the time, it was properly lauded as the biggest trade in hockey history. While the trade and participants are largely forgotten by time, anyone with a sense of hockey history will tell you this trade still ranks as such, and it's importance can't be understated.
On November 2nd, 1947, The Leafs dealt five players - Bob Goldham, Gaye Stewart, Bud Poile, Gus Bodnar and Ernie Dickens to Chicago in exchange for two time NHL scoring champ Max Bentley as well as throw in Cy Thomas. With Bentley joining Syl Apps and Teeder Kennedy at center, Toronto successfully defends it's Stanley Cup title, and win a couple more soon thereafter. The trade shockingly breaks up the long time successful Chicago brother act as Doug Bentley remained with the Hawks, who flounder for years.
Max was one of the most electrifying players in all of hockey history. With his nickname "Dipsy Doodle Dandy" would have been something to witness. He was a two time NHL scoring champion with Chicago where he teamed with fellow Hall of Famers Bill Mosienko and brother Doug Bentley on the Pony Line.
Max was initially heartbroken about the trade, and NHL insiders didn't understand why the Leafs gave up such a big part of their team to get just the one player - even if it was the great Max Bentley. The trade would quickly backfire on the Hawks instead and stands as one of the most lopsided trades in NHL history. The Hawks floundered without Max, missing the playoffs for the next several years.
Meanwhile in Toronto, Max was a key player in three Stanley Cup championships (1948, 1949 and 1951). Playing on a much deeper team (Max had to share ice time with fellow centers Syl Apps - who retired in 1948 - and Teeder Kennedy), Max never posted the same offensive statistics during the regular season in Toronto. However come playoff time he was unstoppable - twice leading all scorers in assists and once in points.
Max, who often played with Joe Klukay and Nick Metz (then Ray Timgren after Metz's retirement), was a fan favorite in Toronto. Perhaps his greatest moment as a Maple Leaf came final game of the 1951 Cup finals against Montreal. With the Canadiens up 2-1 in the dying seconds, the Leafs pulled their goaltender for an extra attacker. Bentley managed to manoeuvre his way right into the slot and set up Sid Smith who in turn hit the goal post. Tod Sloan was there to make sure the game headed into overtime. The Leafs won the game - and the Cup - in the extra frame, thanks to the heroics of Bill Barilko.
Meanwhile in Toronto, Max was a key player in three Stanley Cup championships (1948, 1949 and 1951). Playing on a much deeper team (Max had to share ice time with fellow centers Syl Apps - who retired in 1948 - and Teeder Kennedy), Max never posted the same offensive statistics during the regular season in Toronto. However come playoff time he was unstoppable - twice leading all scorers in assists and once in points.
Max, who often played with Joe Klukay and Nick Metz (then Ray Timgren after Metz's retirement), was a fan favorite in Toronto. Perhaps his greatest moment as a Maple Leaf came final game of the 1951 Cup finals against Montreal. With the Canadiens up 2-1 in the dying seconds, the Leafs pulled their goaltender for an extra attacker. Bentley managed to manoeuvre his way right into the slot and set up Sid Smith who in turn hit the goal post. Tod Sloan was there to make sure the game headed into overtime. The Leafs won the game - and the Cup - in the extra frame, thanks to the heroics of Bill Barilko.
Max and Doug Bentley are one of two sets of brothers to each lead a NHL season in scoring. The other? Henrik and Daniel Sedin
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